
Sep-13-13 Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno Helps Connect New Jersey Veterans With Employers At Job Fair In Lawrenceville
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![]() -News Release- |
“I want to thank the employers who have come here today with job offers for the men and women returning home from service. Our Administration remains committed to helping veterans and their families in transitioning back into civilian life, and we are equally committed to those former servicemembers who hit hard times and need a firm, understanding hand to get their lives back on track,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno.
Veterans and military spouses had an opportunity to speak with approximately 80 employers and service organizations participating in the job fair at the Lawrenceville headquarters of the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
“We have been a partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and American Legion since they first came to New Jersey with their ‘Hiring Our Heroes’ program, and we have joined or organized nearly 50 other veteran hiring events since this Administration came to office,” said Labor Commissioner Wirths. “These men and women deserve nothing less than to have a job to return to after they have put their lives on the line to serve this nation. We are always here to help them achieve their career goals.”
The companies offering positions at the job fair ranged from large corporations to small businesses. Veteran representatives from the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, DMAVA and the New Jersey Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve also were on hand to assist veterans and their families in receiving transition assistance and entering training programs.
“Military men and women are a highly skilled and talented group of individuals who make tremendous sacrifices in support of our state and nation," said Brigadier General Cunniff, the Adjutant General of DMAVA. “Veteran job fairs mitigate the transition and unemployment struggles facing New Jersey Reservists, National Guardsmen and veterans after their honorable and faithful service to our country.”
Governor Christie has launched several initiatives to assist veterans, military personnel and their families, from supporting scholarships to expanding facilities for homeless veterans. The Christie Administration also has co-sponsored employment fairs and conferences designed to help employers connect with veteran services.
The Administration has joined with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and other sponsors to support “Hiring Our Heroes” events from Toms River, Flemington and Somerville to Trenton, Camden and East Rutherford, and has funded the New Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council’s (NJBCTC) Helmets to Hardhats program.
The Department of Labor has a staff of nearly 50 representatives, many of them veterans, who assist former military personnel at the state’s 34 One-Stop Career Centers on a daily basis. Since May, the Christie Administration also has been using part of a $15.6 million National Emergency Grant (NEG) used to create temporary clean-up and recovery jobs in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy to employ veterans and other unemployed residents for restoration projects at the National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey in Sea Girt.
Today’s “Hiring Our Heroes” job fair also was co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS), the New Jersey State Parole Board, the New Jersey State Libraries, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, NBC News and other local partners.
Attached is a photo of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and the Adjutant General at today’s job fair. From left to right, Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff, the Adjutant General, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Col. Mark Piterski, commander 50th Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, and Harold J. Wirths, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development commissioner. Guadagno was the guest speaker at the Hiring our Heroes job fair at the New Jersey Army National Guard's Lawrenceville Armory Sept. 12, 2013. More than 80 veteran-friendly employers attended the Hiring our Heroes job fair, which provides active or retired veterans and their families the opportunity to showcase their valuable military skills to veteran-friendly employers. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Armando Vasquez/Released)

Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths (far right), joined Brigadier General Michael L. Cunniff and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno in kicking off a “Hiring Our Heroes” job fair in Lawrenceville to assist veterans in obtaining employment. They are picture here speaking to one of 80 employer representatives who were looking to hire veterans at the event.

